Hwabyung as Caregiving Stress Among Korean-American Caregivers of a Relative with Dementia

Qualitative research using narrative analysis was undertaken to illuminate how Korean-American caregivers with a relative with dementia give meaning to their caregiving experiences. Hwabyung as caregiving stress was described in the context of Korean culture. Two Korean born caregivers living in the United States, one indicating she had hwabyung and the other that she did not, participated in telephone interviews. Four themes emerged: (1) perception of dementia, (2) caregiving situation, (3) the expression of stress and (4) coping skills. The outcomes suggested that caregiving stress, and service needs for Korean Americans are similar to other groups, but the expression of stress is different. Alternative interventions for caregivers are then suggested.